SE SRS Visitor Information

Welcome to Gurudwara of Nashville where visitors of all backgrounds are welcome regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender. This page has been put together to help first time visitors learn the practices of the Gurudwara.

Gurudwara Saheb is based a single story building which has the main hall where the services are held.

When arriving at the Gurudwara please dress comfortably as we sit on the floor for our services. Please consider bringing your own scarf to cover your head while inside the Gurudwara building. If you do not bring one, we will provide you with one.

As you enter Gurudwara, you will find shoe-racks on right side. We go barefoot inside the Gurudwara building, and shoe-racks are provided for your convenience. We request that after removing your shoes/socks, visitors wash their hands before proceeding to the main hall. Bathrooms are across from the shoe-rack area.

As you head up, please be sure to silence your cell phone and or pagers. Please, be sure that your head is covered with a scarf or a turban.

Once entering, you will be facing an alter with an ornate "Palki" in the center. Over the Palkie (the seat) is a Chandoa, a canopy. A person is usually seated behind the Palki with a Chaor of fine white hair. All of these are suitable for the throne of a King.

On the Palki is placed Guru Granth Saheb Ji. To an average person Guru Granth Saheb Ji may be a book; however, to Sikhs, Guru is our God, our King, our saviour, and our guide all rolled into one. All of the pomp and show is to show devotion and respect.

Please approach the alter respectfully. Bowing before the alter is encouraged as Guru is not just of Sikhs but of allhumankind. After bowing, please seat yourself to either side. During normal programming, Bhai Sher Singh Ji or another member of Sangat is on the stage area singing the hyms that are taken directly from Guru Granth Saheb. There is one projector screen on left side of the hall where there visitors can read the translations of the hymns being sung line by line. If you are familiar with the words, you are encouraged to sing along.

At the conclusion of the program, there is a standing prayer (Ardaas) led by Bhai Saheb. The entire congregation stands in attention with hands folded and facing the Guru Saheb. Once this standing prayer is completed, a response from Guru Granth Saheb is read aloud for all to hear. Again, the overhead projectors will display the Hukam, or Order, of Guru Saheb and its translation.